Personal Reflections
Literally every time I think about the upcoming election, a lyric from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton comes to mind: “Are we a nation of states? What’s the state of our nation?” The hurried delivery, the emotion, the worry in his voice all resonate deeply with me.
Like many of you, I am genuinely concerned about this election, but I also know I have done everything I can: I have voted, encouraged others to do the same, and prayed for results that will put people in positions to begin the work of helping America find her way back to the ideals she was meant to represent.
There comes a point when I— all of us—need to rest and wait. That can be a difficult place to find ourselves when our minds are overflowing with worry and uncertainty. So, this week, I want to offer you sweet, sentimental, and meaningful conversations and distractions. After all, it's Sweet November. Further explanations of what that looks like are in the next section.
Despite the political and economic tensions in our society, we still have wonderful things to look forward to, like the holidays!
I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS! I’m a little obsessed with holiday planning and tend to start much earlier than most people! This is what November means to me: holiday preparations, slowly bringing out the decorations, the gradual increase of Christmas music and movies, and looking forward to the performances and traditions that make this time of year so special.
These little things brighten darker days, sprinkling nostalgia, beauty, and warmth into our lives when we need them most. Can I say that, depending on how this election goes, we might really need to play the “need it most” card?
I think this is where the sentiment behind Auntie Mame’s “We Need a Little Christmas” finds its enduring relevance. In the movie and musical, Mame loses her job and comes home discouraged, but she and her wonderfully hodgepodge family find hope amid disappointment. They decide to put up Christmas early and sing “We Need a Little Christmas." Sing it with me:
"Haul out the holly, put up the tree before my spirit falls again, fill up the stockings, I may be rushing things but deck the halls again now! For we need a little Christmas, right this very minute! Candles in the window, carols at the spinet! Yes, we need a little Christmas, right this very minute! We need a little Christmas now!"
This scene always makes me happy-cry, and because Auntie Mame is one of my all-time favorite stories, I make a point of watching either the Rosalind Russell or Lucille Ball version every year. (Someone PLEASE produce this as a local stage musical. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!) Both the musical and non-musical versions of this scene are GLORIOUS! Watch the Russell version here and the Ball musical version here.
This year, I’m keeping the tradition alive by watching one of the versions a week before Christmas and putting up the my tree in my room immediately after the Christmas song. If you’re looking for a whimsical little tradition to carry you through these times, consider this your invitation to borrow mine.
This Week in the Arts
I will be publishing three pieces in my JOLT Column including:
Sneak Peek: Ballet Victoria presents “Alice in Wonderland”
A conversation with Kevin Mason & Mary Miller of Capitol City Caramels
A surprise piece (all will be revealed when published)
I will be publishing these articles under Rachel’s Choice:
You’ll see 😉
To read my articles as they come out, I invite you to subscribe to The JOLT News and follow me on Instagram and Facebook, then invite a friend to do the same! :)
If you read a story that inspires you, I invite you to share it with others and help spread the word about the incredible things happening in the Thurston County Arts Community.
Other Fun Things This Week
For the Record: Jeff Goldblum’s Still Blooming
Audiobook Review: Samantha: The Next Chapter by Fiona Davis
Events with Rachel
Intentional Vinyl w/ The Dare to Love Project: November 11th @ 6:30pm. A Veterans Day Special Listening Event: Glenn Miller’s Original Recordings. Word searches, fidgets, and coloring available during listening session. Post vinyl discussion will follow. More event information can be found here.
Night of Nostalgia ~ Bygone Radio Shows w/The Dare to Love Project: November 19th @ 6:00pm. Come listen to old radio shows curated by yours truly and enjoy reminiscing with friends and community. Word searches, fidgets, and coloring available during listening session. More event information can be found here.
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